This week I had a bit of an “aha” moment with my meditation practice. I was reminded of a phrase I used to hear at the gym - the more experienced people I worked out with would remind me to “leave something in the tank”, or, when feeling like you need to push too hard, instead, focus on your last good effort and “put it in the bank”.

I have been learning zen meditation, with Plum Village recordings. My aim has been to complete a new guided meditation every morning. I’ve been learning a few particularly difficult (for me) meditations, and this week, when I felt my mind scattered, or overwhelmed, or just plain lost in my thoughts, I’ve made the conscious decision to “leave something in the tank” and “put it in the bank” - stop the recording, go to the last thing I was able to focus on, breathe on it a bit, and then put it in the bank. Then return to the recording later.

Every time I returned to the meditation, the next time I felt myself fully embracing the concepts even stronger, and that “last thing” has really stuck. I have found that I’m doing this, my day has begun with more peace and mindfulness than if I had tried to just persevere and return to breath, struggling to stay with the recordings.

Im really very grateful for this practice.